This spring, a video of him opening his acceptance letter from the CarolinaLIFE program
went viral.

Now he's officially on campus and all moved in, starting classes and gearing up to
work with Gamecock Athletics.

As Watson begins classes at the College of Education, he says he has already been
recognized as "the guy from the video" a few times on campus.

He says the recognition has only added to his excitement about his future as a Gamecock.

A cellphone video of 20-year-old Mac Watson opening his acceptance letter from the
University of South Carolina’s CarolinaLIFE program spread quickly on social media
last week — with nearly 200,000 views and 2,200 shares in just a few days. The heartwarming
video shows Watson overwhelmed with emotion, crying and then cheering, as he realizes
he will soon be a Carolina student. His raw emotions are gaining him a lot of positive
attention from thousands of people who’ve watched the video — many sending him congratulatory
messages and welcoming him to the Gamecock family.

The Watson family hopes the video will encourage people to support collegiate programs for students with learning differences.

Watson’s desire to attend Carolina began this year after his parents heard about CarolinaLIFE,
an inclusive certificate program offered at UofSC for students with diverse learning
needs. The family traveled from their Virginia Beach, Virginia, home to visit campus
and learn more about the program.

“We listened to the CarolinaLIFE faculty speak about the program and how it promotes
independence, and we knew that this was a fantastic opportunity for Mac,” says mom
Laurin Watson. “Plus, Mac loved that he could live in a dorm in the heart of campus
and attend sporting events. He’s a huge sports fan.”

Founded a decade ago by a group of parents looking for postsecondary options for their
children, CarolinaLIFE provides an inclusive college experience for students with diverse learning needs.
Students take courses related to their professional field of interest while also learning
skills to prepare them for employment and independent living. They are immersed on
campus — living, learning and experiencing college life just like their peers. Since
its inception, the program has served more than 80 students.

Mac Watson is one of six students who were accepted into the incoming freshman class
of the CarolinaLIFE program.

“Ever since his interview, he has been so anxious to find out if he was accepted,”
says Laurin Watson. “He would check the mailbox every day — sometimes several times
a day — hoping to find the letter from Carolina.”

Watson knew her son would react with excitement if accepted, so she decided to record
him opening the letter with her phone. But his reaction shocked even her.

“I expected him to be super happy but what you saw was a genuine release of emotion.
I was behind the phone crying as I watched my son become so emotional. I think he
was just so relieved to be accepted because he is so ready to go.”

Mac Watson’s twin brother went to college in Virginia last year. Though Mac Watson
took a year off after graduating in 2017 from Chesapeake Bay Academy, a school that
serves students with learning differences, he knew he wanted to attend college like
his brother.

My goal is to get a job and be independent ... I am excited to be a Gamecock student
and to learn new things. I am excited to go to sporting events, and I am excited to
start my life.

Mac Watson, incoming freshman

“Mac wants the same things as other kids. He loves to play and watch sports, wants
to graduate from college and land his dream job in sports,” Laurin Watson says. “As
his parents, we want him to accomplish those goals and learn the skills needed to
become an independent adult.”

Helping students work and live independently are main goals of CarolinaLIFE. Partnerships
with organizations and companies inside and outside the university provide valuable
work experience for students, with many students earning full-time jobs after graduation.
Mac Watson hopes to intern with Gamecock Athletics­ — an established partner that
continues to collaborate with CarolinaLIFE to place students in competitive internship
positions.

Mac Watson shows off some of the Carolina gear sent to him by Gamecock Athletics.
After seeing his video, staff and coaches from various sports sent him a box of team
gear including backpacks, hats and jerseys.

“My goal is to get a job and be independent,” Mac Watson says. “I just want to be
like my family and take care of myself. I am excited to be a Gamecock student and
to learn new things. I am excited to go to sporting events, and I am excited to start
my life.”

The far-reaching impact of CarolinaLIFE led the College of Education to choose the
program as its focus for Give 4 Garnet, an 18-hour giving event which took place April
18. The universitywide fundraiser brought in more than $3.7 million, with the College
of Education more than doubling its goal and raising $35,000 for CarolinaLIFE.

“These donations made during Give 4 Garnet will help provide scholarships for CarolinaLIFE
students as well as enhance program development and student experiences through new
opportunities with campus and community partners,” says Erin Eigenbrot, director of
development and alumni relations. “There is no doubt the video helped to increase
awareness about the program on this important day of giving. It touched the hearts
of many people who, in turn, made donations to this important program.”

Laurin Watson and her husband, Stock, are pleased the video of her son helped to raise
awareness and support of CarolinaLIFE.

“It clearly affected people in a genuine way,” she says. “I hope it starts an important
conversation regarding students with learning challenges who want — and deserve —
to go to college. There need to be more options like CarolinaLIFE as well as more
financial support for students. If sharing his joy through this video can somehow
help other kids like Mac and their families learn about programs such as CarolinaLIFE,
then I think it’s fantastic.”

Learn more

To learn how you can help make dreams come true for students like Mac Watson, visit
the College of Education's Carolina Fund website.